Endovascular retrieval of greenfield IVC filters 13 and 19 years post placement without major complication

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were first introduced in 1967 by Kazi Mobin-Uddin and later improved by Lazar Greenfield in the 1980s becoming a major component of catastrophic pulmonary embolism prevention. Nevertheless, filters are not entirely harmless. The long term risks include caval thrombosis, visceral penetration, and filters can serve as a nidus for infection. Filter retrieval is often complicated by intimal hyperplasia especially with increased indwelling time. Historically, Greenfield filters in place for longer than 3 weeks were considered permanent due to the risks of retrieval. Herein we present 2 cases of successful retrieval of Greenfield filters 13 and 19 years post implantation.